TORONTO (CBSDFW.COM/AP) — Toronto Mayor Rob Ford’s brother says the mayor has boarded a plane and will enter a 30-day inpatient treatment at one of the best rehab facilities in North America when he lands.

It’s a decision which, according to Dallas life coach and therapist Ashley Berges, is the first step toward personal acceptance, public redemption and taking control of his own life.

“The world is watching a man, very much in the public eye; continue to fall due to his serious alcohol and possible drug addiction. The real test will be if Ford honestly recognizes he has a problem and truly desires to get sober,” said Berges, who hopes it isn’t a mere ploy to run again in the coming election.

Speaking to the Canadian Broadcasting Corp., Doug Ford declined to name the location of the facility. He didn’t return messages seeking comment either.

Mayor Ford began a leave of absence to seek treatment for substance abuse Thursday, disappearing from public view after a report surfaced of a second video of him apparently smoking crack cocaine.

Ford is a relatively young man, according to Berges, who will show the world what he’s made of if he returns sober.

“A 30-day treatment program is just a scratch at the surface. Whether Ford is addicted to the combination of alcohol and crack cocaine or just alcohol, either way, both are difficult addictions that take a lifetime of sobriety to kick,” said the author.

Ford left his west-end Toronto home in a two car-convoy Thursday morning without answering questions from reporters. His nephew was seen leaving the home with a suitcase.